Sgt. Richard Friess has been recognized as the Farmington Public Safety Department's 2017 Officer of the Year.

A 17-year veteran of the department, Friess received his award at the department's recent annual awards and citations banquet. Other officers and civilians were also honored at the banquet.

Friess returned to full duty in 2017 after an extended light duty assignment.

“Sgt. Friess’s sense of resiliency and self-motivation are just two of many traits that have earned him the distinction as Officer of the Year," Public Safety Director Frank Demers said. "As a night platoon patrol supervisor, he immediately picked up where he left off, aggressively enforcing traffic, arresting drunk drivers and performing at a high level."

Friess has consistently been a leader in drugged and drunken driving arrests and his efforts have earned him the distinction as a four-time recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Life Saver Award, Demers added.

A licensed attorney, Friess serves as the department’s legal update coordinator. "He continually keeps the department updated on recent court rulings affecting law enforcement and other important legal matters that may impact department operations,” Demers said.

Along with civilian awards, more than 40 awards and citations were presented to members of the public safety department in recognition of their outstanding work.

Other awards included:

Reserve Firefighter Jon Dresden (far right) was honored as the Farmington Public Safety Department 2017 Civilian of the Year. With him are Deputy Director Ted Warthman (left) and Director Frank Demers.(Photo: Farmington Public Safety Department.)

Recognizing civilians with Life Saving Awards for their quick action in rendering emergency aid in 2017. Awards went to Dr. Warren Ringold, Dr. Kas Bultkus and Jason Reno, who were instrumental in saving the lives of two choking victims.

Wayne County Sheriff’s Cpl. Carlos Banks received a Civilian Life Saving Award in recognition of his quick action in administering CPR to a man who collapsed from a heart attack.

Farmington Public Safety Reserve Firefighter John Dresden received the 2017 Civilian of the Year award for his many contributions to the department in 2017.

Following the ceremony, Demers thanked his entire staff for continuing to work toward the department’s mission and carrying out their duties with pride, professionalism and integrity.

“We continue to meet and achieve the high standards of service that our residents and the community expect and deserve,” Demers said.

Contact LeAnne Rogers at lrogers@hometownlife.com or 734-883-9039. Follow her on Twitter: @LRogersObserver.